In a shadowed corner of the hospital wing, under the concealing fabric of a particularly special magical cloak, Albus Dumbledore stood and watched. In combination with several spells, he was not only completely invisible but near impossible to detect, magically or otherwise.

"I will come to you in an hour for you to take another potion. Do try to get some sleep now," Madam Pomfrey said.

"I will try, Madam Pomfrey," said Harry.

Albus looked on as Madam Pomfrey entered her office, leaving Harry to climb into his temporary bed. It was only a matter of minutes until Harry had settled in and fallen asleep.

With sure steps, Albus approached the bed and peered down at Harry's sleeping form. Taking out his wand, Albus waved it over Harry. He paused for a moment as he reflected on the information he received. Moving his wand again but in a more intricate pattern, Albus mumbled before pausing and stroking his beard in contemplation. After a minute of thought and a silent "Ah yes!" he swished his wand again. Taking a moment to sort through the feedback from the spell, Albus lowered his wand and frowned.

Albus' train of thought was broken moments later as Harry began to mumble and shift in his sleep, his eyes moving rapidly behind their closed lids. Albus raised his wand again as Harry's face quickly contorted into a deep frown and his breathing began to quicken.

With a quick twist and a sharp jab, Albus directed a bright blue spell at Harry's forehead.

Almost immediately, Harry quieted. His frown eased and his breathing slowed. Albus continued his observation until a small smile slowly took form on Harry's face.

"Sleep well, my boy," Albus said, his voice audible only to himself.

Turning around, Albus headed towards the nurse's office. As he walked, he cast his wand in a large clockwise swirl, conjuring an ethereal silver phoenix. With a whisper, he instructed the patronus to deliver a message and sent it away.

As he reached the office door, Albus tapped himself with his wand, removing the various concealing spells, and pulled off the invisibility cloak. Gently wrapping his knuckle on the door, he opened it partially and was able to see Madam Pomfrey sitting in a chair by a desk, leaning over some parchment.

"Good evening Poppy, apologies for the disturbance," he said. "May I come in?"

"Oh, Albus." She rolled up the parchment and neatly set it aside. "Yes, of course. Do come in."

With a flick of her wand, Poppy conjured a comfortable armchair.

"Thank you, my dear," Albus said, seating himself.

"I take it you're here regarding Mr. Potter?"

"Quite so."

Poppy nodded. "It's quite an interesting case, if I may say so. A curse which seems to slowly weaken the body until death. Though lethal if left alone, the curse effects are easily mitigated by a simple potion, but not by counter curses. It is a curse I have not come across before."

Albus nodded and stroked his beard.

Poppy waited a moment then continued. "I shall be waking Mr. Potter again in a short while in order to administer another dose."

"Ah, very good," Albus said. "It's all in hand then."

Poppy raised an eyebrow. "Albus, did you check on the boy before coming to see me?"

"I did. I admit I was rather concerned," Albus said. "Ah, I do understand that the regulations state I am to notify you of my presence beforehand, but I thought it prudent to lend my expertise in a timely manner as possible."

Waving her hand dismissively, Poppy said, "And? What did you discover?"

"It is, as you described, quite a lethal curse. It is rather unfortunately unaffected by any counter curse I can think of. Fortunately, it shall disappear on its own accord in little under a full day. Mr. Potter will, of course, require your expert attention until then."

"You are certain about the duration?" Poppy scribbled a note on some fresh parchment.

"As confident as one can reasonably be about these things."

"And do you have any idea as to the curse itself? Where it came from? I was under the impression that you are notified whenever dark magic is cast within the castle wards."

"Indeed I am," Albus said. "However, the wards are not infallible despite how clever and powerful they certainly are. Unfortunately, I do not know the origin of this curse. I know not what the incantation may be named nor who may have cast it. It is rather intriguing I must say."

"Quite intriguing indeed." Poppy paused in thought. "So, what will you do, Albus?"

"For now, our top priority must be to ensure that Mr. Potter survives this curse. As for the origin of the curse, I shall consult some of the, ah, less reputable books in my private collection. They may provide some insight." Albus stroked his beard. "I shall also question those in his dorm so that we have as full an understanding as possible."

Poppy nodded.

"I believe it would be preferable if the details of this evening were kept quiet. I have already contacted Filius to ensure he is made aware but otherwise, no others need know of what has transpired."

"Of course, Headmaster."

"There is one more thing," Albus said.

"What is it?" Poppy asked.

"I had heard that young Harry was rather small for his age. Upon closer inspection, it is easy to understand the cause of these reports. I would very much appreciate if you could perform a thorough examination."

"Yes, of course. I was planning on doing so anyway as we do not seem to have any of his previous medical records. Do you have any idea why that might be?"

"Unfortunately not. That is rather concerning," Albus said. "I shall make some inquiries."

Albus paused a moment. "Please offer all the assistance young Harry may require in regards to his health. Should you deem it necessary, I will ensure that the funds are available for the acquisition of any and all potion ingredients."

Poppy frowned at him, "You suspect he will be needing such… extra care?"

"The possibility unfortunately exists. Spare nothing, madam."

Poppy hesitated but nodded. "I understand, headmaster."

"Then, I shall take my leave. Good evening."

"You three may enter," Harry heard Madam Pomfrey's voice. "But please do remember this is a hospital, not a common room."

A round of agreements and acknowledgements preceded the appearance of Harry's dorm mates.

"Heya Harry!" Terry said first as they surrounded his bed. "Feeling better?"

"Much better, thanks," Harry said, sitting up in the hospital bed. "Also, before I forget, I wanted to say thanks for last night, it was really great of you all."

"No big deal," Terry said and the others nodded.

Harry smiled warmly.

"Will you be staying in the hospital wing for very long?" Anthony asked.

"Hopefully back out of here today, maybe. All I have to do is drink a potion every hour or so until the curse, er, runs out."

"Curse?!" all three chorused.

"Oh right," Harry grinned sheepishly, "I forgot that was news."

"Flitwick said that we shouldn't talk about you being here in the hospital wing, but we didn't know it was so serious," Michael said and the other two nodded.

"He did?"

"Yeah he came and spoke to us in the dorm room not long after we left you here," Terry said.

"But the curse… Madam Pomfrey wasn't able to remove it?" Anthony asked.

Shrugging, Harry said, "I suppose not. Professor Flitwick came to see me not long after you left too, so I guess he came to see you straight away after that. He couldn't remove it either. I'll be 'in this room until it's gone' according to Madam Pomfrey."

"That's not the important bit," Michael said waving his hand. "Where did the curse come from?"

"Yeah! Did someone curse you?" Terry said.

Harry glanced at them all individually.

If my hunch is right, then I do know where the curse came from… which means I would be lying if I said I didn't.

"What is it?" Michael said.

Harry concentrated. "I don't know where the curse came from."

Persuasion successful!

Persuasion unsuccessful!

Harry's eyes widened as he read the second message. Quickly gauging the reaction of the others, Harry saw Anthony was frowning at him.

Harry turned and faced him directly. "Anthony, I don't know where the curse came from."

Persuasion successful!

After a moment Anthony smiled at him. "Yes Harry, I believe you."

Harry nodded and sat back in the bed, trying his best to hide the fact that all he could focus on was the quick and heavy thumping of his heart.

"It's a mystery," Michael said. "I can tell you truthfully it wasn't me though, Harry."

"Nor me," said Anthony.

They glanced at Terry.

"What?" Terry said, looking at each of them. "Of course it wasn't me."

Harry watched for a moment as they silently eyed each other.

"Whoever the source of the spell was, it wasn't any of you three," Harry said firmly. "In fact, let me tell you, I'm certain it wasn't."

Rounding on him, Michael said, "How can you be certain? You said you didn't know where it came from."

"That's still true," Harry held up his hands placatingly. "It's more that I am absolutely convinced none of you could have done it."

The three quieted.

"Aw shucks Harry," Terry said, pushing Harry's shoulder affectionately. "We like you too."

"Thanks, Terry," Harry said, grinning. "Yeah, you all really couldn't have done it." He paused. "The spell is way too complicated."

Terry stared at Harry for a second then glanced at the other two, giving them a 'get a load of this guy' look.

Shaking their heads, the others gave almost reluctant chuckles before Harry's loud snickers soon had all four laughing together.

Ahhh… I'm so lucky I was sorted into Ravenclaw.

Shortly after the laughter died down, Madam Pomfrey walked over with a refilled bottle.

"Time for your potion, Mr. Potter." The nurse took the stopper from the bottle and held it out to him.

Taking the offered potion, Harry brought it to his lips without any hesitation and drank it all in a few big gulps. Wiping his mouth on his sleeve, Harry handed the empty container back to the matron. "Thank you Madam Pomfrey."

"You're quite welcome."

"How is it, Harry?" Michael said, eyeing the bottle skeptically. "I heard they taste really bad."

"It's pretty good actually," Harry said. "Tastes like strawberries."

"Hmm," Michael eyed the bottle with interest. "I do like strawberries."

Madam Pomfrey turned to Michael and raised an eyebrow. "Let's hope, Mr. Corner, that you don't find yourself in a situation where you can't simply trust Mr. Potters verdict."

"Er, right. Yes Madam Pomfrey," Michael said sheepishly.

With a wave of her wand over Harry, Madam Pomfrey nodded and wrote something down on a piece of parchment. "I will return again in one hour. For now, I believe you need to continue to rest. Boys, say your farewells to Mr. Potter for now. You may return again this afternoon at two o'clock."

"Yes Madam Pomfrey," they responded.

As the nurse left to return to her other duties, Michael offered Harry a bag.

"It's your school bag. I opened it to make sure it had your books in for the Herbology homework. Hope you don't mind."

Harry shook his head, "Of course not. Thanks for getting it for me."

"Don't want your big Ravenclaw brain getting too bored in here," Terry quipped.

"Also, we remembered that you still need to finish that homework," Anthony said, "even if you've been hospitalised."

"You're right. Besides," Harry grinned cockily. "can't let you three get ahead of me."

"Well," Michael said, "even further ahead, you mean."

Harry rolled his eyes exaggeratedly.

Grinning, Michael said "See you later, Harry. Hope you get out soon."

With a round of goodbyes, Harry was once more left alone, lying atop the hospital bed. The tall window behind him had begun to stream in a cool autumn light so he just took a moment to bask in the peace and quiet.

After some time, Harry sat up and looked at his school bag.

Guess I'll start the homework. Though, I wonder why I didn't get any quests to complete homework other than that one for McGonagall. This game is so inconsistent.

Harry sighed. Deciding that whatever the game had planned was not worth worrying about for now. Just as he was about to get out of bed he stopped himself thinking that perhaps it wasn't the best idea to do so without permission.

"Excuse me, Madam Pomfrey?" Harry asked in a carefully raised voice.

"Yes?" Madam Pomfrey said as she walked over. "What is it, Mr. Potter?"

"I was just wondering if it would be OK for me to do my homework here somewhere? Out of bed, I mean."

"Yes, well, you aren't acutely unwell, so it's not an unreasonable request. Come along over here. There is a table and chair here you may use."

Harry hopped out of the hospital bed, grabbing his schoolbag. The indicated table sat beside the door to the nurse's office.

"Thanks."

"You're quite welcome. Is there anything else?"

"No, thank you. I'm alright at the moment."

Nodding, Madam Pomfrey turned and entered the office, leaving the door open.

Taking his seat at the table, Harry laid out his homework and writing tools. Taking his time to feel the grip on the quil and smoothen out the parchment. He leaned forward and reread his notes on the assignment.

This won't be too hard.

Sometime later as Harry had neared the completion of his Herbology essay, a message appeared on his screen.

Through persistent use, your Penmanship skill has increased to level 4!

Harry grinned as he dismissed the message.

At least I can get some use out of being stuck in here.

Taking a moment, Harry opened his status window and reviewed his progress so far.

Name: Harry James Potter
Class: The Gamer
Title: Hogwarts Student
Level: 2
Experience 226/500

HP: 113/120
MP: 2000/2000
STR: 5
VIT: 6
DEX: 8
INT: 9
WIS: 10
LUK: 8

Points: 0
Money: 29G, 2S, 4K

Skills:

Persuasion [LV 2]
Spellcasting [LV 2]
Penmanship [LV 4]
Observe [LV 3]
Potioncraft [LV 1]
Escape Instant Dungeon [LV MAX]

Effects:

Curse of Death

Odd that the Penmanship skill increased so quickly. I definitely don't feel like I used that skill more than the Observe skill, for example. Perhaps some skills are easier to gain levels in than others?

Harry scratched his cheek then scanned through the rest of the status output.

Eyeing the Curse of Death listed under Effects, Harry tapped it to reveal the summary and read the description 'There is no light without darkness'.

Harry frowned in thought.

A curse randomly appears which lasts for 24 hours just as the Blessing of Life, which also lasts 24 hours ends. This seems too suspicious to just be a coincidence.

Due to your thoughtfulness and insight, you have gained 1 Wisdom!

Looks like I was right? If I'm able to use that as a confirmation of my suspicion... Or is that just because I was thinking carefully again?

Leaning back in his chair, Harry ran his hands through his hair and let out his breath in a sigh.

I was supposed to have that meeting with Professor Flitwick in his office today.

Harry stood and peered into the nurse's office and saw that Madam Pomfrey was at a desk writing in a book.

"Excuse me, Madam Pomfrey?"

The nurse set down her writing tools with practiced care and turned to face Harry. "Yes, Mr. Potter?".

"I was supposed to have a meeting with my Head of House, Professor Flitwick, today at eleven o'clock. I think that must be quite soon?"

"Hmm," Madam Pomfrey flicked her wand. "Yes, it's about twenty minutes to eleven right now."

"Well," Harry rubbed the back of his head. "Even though you said I am to stay in here. Could I go and meet him?"

Shaking her head. "I'm afraid that's quite impossible, Mr. Potter. You must stay here in the hospital wing until the curse placed upon you is completely gone."

Sagging, Harry nodded.

"However, I see no reason Professor Flitwick can't see you here. There are ways and means of having private conversations wherever you may be."

"Yes!" Harry's eyes lit up. "Please, if that's at all possible."

"Then, I shall inform Professor Flitwick of your incarceration," Madam Pomfrey smiled a little playfully. "So that he may meet you here instead."

"Incarceration?" Harry frowned. "What does that mean?"

"Oh, heavens," Madam Pomfrey grumbled. "The one time I try to make a joke out of it and it goes straight over the audience's head."

"Sorry?"

"To be incarcerated is to be imprisoned. Or more mildly put one is confined. Such as you are currently confined to my hospital wing though you would much rather be elsewhere." Madam Pomfrey raised her eyebrow questioningly at the last.

"Err, well, yes. Though I don't really feel imprisoned, well maybe a little confined. It's easier than… Well, you're actually very nice and-"

"Yes, yes," Madam Pomfrey smiled. "It's only natural to want to be free from restriction, Mr. Potter. Just know I am keeping you here for your own good."

"Yes, I understand."

"Very well then. Return to your things and I will contact the Professor."

"Alright." Harry paused. "Thank you Madam Pomfrey."

Hidden Quest completed.

Reward: 50 EXP, increased relationship with Madam Pomfrey.

Controlling himself so as not to react to the message, Harry walked back to his nearly completed homework and sat before reading the text.

A Hidden Quest? Not bad EXP. Now more than halfway to level three! I wonder how many other hidden quests there are…

A short time later, as Harry was carefully reviewing his homework for the third time a high pitched squeak of a voice startled him from just behind his shoulder.

"Oh very good! Very diligent!" Professor Flitwick beamed at him.

"Ah uh!" Harry said in surprise.

"Completing your homework even while hospitalised. Very good work Mr. Potter. 2 points to Ravenclaw."

"Thanks, Professor!"

Waving his hand, Flitwick dismissed the thanks and indicated towards a set of comfortable looking chairs that hadn't been there earlier. "Come over here and sit with me, Mr. Potter."

Harry smiled and followed his Head of House to the chairs. Taking his seat he found it to be very comfortable, but not so much so that he would be distracted by it.

"Tea?" Flitwick pointed to the small set of china which sat atop a table beside him.

"That definitely wasn't there a moment ago!" Harry said in surprise.

Chuckling, Flitwick nodded vigorously. "Yes, that's right. I'm very happy to see you are able to notice that. There is a subtle charm applied in combination with the conjuring which makes the sudden appearance less likely to be noticed. Usually, people don't realise."

Harry sat silently, absorbing the knowledge.

"However, I still would like to know if you want some tea."

"Oh! Yes please."

A moment later, a cup of hot tea hovered over from the table to sit in the air in front of Harry.

"Wow."

Flitwick clapped. "Oh, how I do love the faces of new students when they see this kind of magic for the first time."

Harry took the tea and blew air into it to cool it down.

"Though that only works for those who haven't seen magic like that before, of course. Muggleborns mainly. And those like yourself, Mr. Potter."

"Like me?" Harry asked.

"Yes, indeed. Well of course you know now that your parents were both magical. Terrible that you weren't aware of that sooner. Others don't have magical parents at all, so nearly all the magic they see and experience at Hogwarts is for the first time."

Harry nodded, thinking of Hermione.

"In your case, while you have magical parents, and under better circumstances, there would have been a different outcome, you are also experiencing many types of magic for the first time. At least to your recollection."

"Yes, I have definitely experienced a lot of new things already," Harry said.

"I can imagine so," Flitwick said. "I remember back to when I first started at Hogwarts. What a wonderful time."

"It has been great so far," Harry said sincerely.

"Wonderful! Part of my duty as your Head of House is to ensure you are well taken care of in your time here, so I am very happy to hear that."

Harry took a moment to drink some of his tea while he looked at his Head of House. Observe.

Class: Hogwarts Professor
Level: ?
Name: Filius Flitwick
Description: Filius Flitwick is the head of Ravenclaw house at Hogwarts. As a Hogwarts Professor, Filius teaches the Charms class as the Charms Master. Filius is a powerful wizard with a history of wins and eventual championship in dueling. He is a wise and caring man who prides himself in taking care of his students. His short stature is due to his half-goblin heritage.

"I think there's a lot I can learn from you, Professor," Harry said.

"Yes? Indeed that is probably true. Though I like to believe that every new student brings an education with them, one which I also benefit from. Every year, with every new person, I seem to learn so many new things."

Harry nodded. Wise seemed to be a good choice of words.

I wonder what his wisdom stat is. Harry grinned to himself.

"I was wondering if I could ask you some questions about my parents?" Harry said.

"Yes of course. I imagine you're quite curious about them. I will tell you what I know. Though perhaps to tell you all will take more time than we have today."

"We could arrange a regular meeting?" Harry asked.

"Oh that would be a lovely thing wouldn't it." Flitwick smiled. "I will have to ensure it doesn't clash with either of our schedules, however. For now, let's say I will contact you again when I have some time to spare, and if you are also available then we can have another chat."

"That sounds great."

"You know, I actually had a similar arrangement with your mother. Lily Evans she was called at that time. A marvellously brilliant witch. She was gifted in Charms. I could imagine she would have been a well-placed replacement for myself as the Charms Master of Hogwarts, given the opportunity."

Harry leaned forward, listening with rapt attention. Careful to commit all the details to memory.

"But it wasn't only Charms she was proficient in. I do recall that she was highly capable in all subjects. A model student, and of course she was Head Girl, just as your father was Head Boy."

Recalling the picture he had seen, Harry nodded and waited silently for Flitwick to continue.

"Your father was of course extremely talented as well. Both of them seemed to be able to utilise magic effortlessly, at least in comparison to their peers." Flitwick looked far away, stroking his chin. "Of course it's not true. It was not truly effortless I mean. They both worked diligently to learn what they did, and to be as capable with magic as they were."

Harry nodded.

"You would do well to remember that too, Harry."

"Yes, Professor. No matter how talented they were, they had to work hard to become great."

"That's correct. And great they were." Filius paused. "When people think of that day -the day you triumphed over He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named- they say it was a wondrous day of victory and of course a day for celebration. I wonder if the scales of the world tipped in the other direction. The loss of your two parents against the defeat of Voldemort."

Harry sat in silence, staring at the professor. Their eyes locked for a few moments.

"That's not something one should dwell on, however," Flitwick said, finally. "We are here now, and that is in part due to the events of that day."

Harry took another sip of the cooling tea.

"Your father was particularly gifted in Transfiguration. I think you would do well to seek out a similar meeting such as this with Professor McGonagall. She was very fond of James and will have several unique stories for you."

"I will. Definitely."

Harry paused for a moment. "Professor, you say my parents were both gifted."

"That's right."

"Did they have actual magical gifts, or abilities, which made them learn faster?"

Flitwick studied Harry before he answered. "Not that I'm aware of. Why do you ask?"

"Well…" Harry started.

It's now or never Harry.

"I think, maybe I do?" Harry said.